NHL Rumours: Sheldon Souray to the Columbus Blue Jackets and More

Sheldon Souray will not be dealt to Columbus for the Mike Commodore straight up, the Oilers will have to throw in a pick, or possibly a prospect. This seems logical but since Commodore has more years left on his contract this would be a bad trade for Edmonton unless the draft pick is really low. However, I do not expect Columbus to accept a low draft pick so this deal will probably not be done.

Igor Bobkov of the Ducks is going to play on the London Knights this season. This comes as no surprise as Anaheim has a tradition of letting their youngsters develop before using them for NHL duty.

Jeff Finger's injury increases the likelihood the Leafs demote him to the Marlies. They may have to be careful though because if they ever want to call him up again somebody will most likely claim him. He may seem expensive but that is only because the Leafs don't need him as their blueline is so deep.

Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald suggested that if Tuuka Rask continues to get the lion's share of the starts in net, Peter Chiarelli would be forced to continue trying to move Tim Thomas. I find these comments odd as I really don't see a market for Tim Thomas due to his age and ludicrous contract. He may be one year removed from a Vezina but nobody wants to spend on goaltenders anymore. Just look at Evgeni Nabokov.

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reported that Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk wants to sign Brad Richards to a contract extension but until the club's ownership situation is sorted out it cannot be done. I agree wholeheartedly and hope he gets a deal done. If he doesn't you know that some team will sign him and create a top line as scary as San Jose's.

TSN reports that Stan Bowman wants to send Cristobal Huet to a European team within the next few weeks. The Blackhawks will be relying on a lot of youngsters this year, and they still need to shed cap space. Odd how things have worked out for them.

Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune has reported that Bowman wishes to sign Brent Seabrook to a contract extension. Seabrook is an RFA so Bowman cannot negotiate an extension until January. This makes perfect sense as the key to them winning must be their defence, why else would they deal away half their forwards?

The Boston Globe and Boston Herald have reported that Marc Savard is going through post-concussion symptoms. He has been like this for several weeks now. Interesting as this may be one of the main reasons they could not move him even after his contract became secure.

Jesse Spector of the New York Daily News has said that when he talked with Glen Sather, Sather had no doubts as to his ability to get under the salary cap even though they are $4.1 million over the cap. Spector came to the same conclusion anyone with an ounce of sanity would; Sather is going to demote Wade Redden to the minors.